Board of Education Meeting Notes

Date:

Roll Call

• Melissa Mason
• Jay Barnhart
• Pat Bradford
• Jud Justice
• Dr. Tim Merrick
• David Perry
• Pete Wildbore

Agenda Amendments

• New Business: Added discussion on legal action letter regarding Power School breach.
• AI Pilot Program: Proposal for a town hall discussion before decision making.
• Ad Hoc Committee for Bus Drivers: Removed from the agenda.

Meeting Proceedings

Opening

• Invocation by Sam Nolan, associate pastor of Port City Community Church.
• National Anthem by Jose Shinos Montalvan, student at New Hanover High School.

Recognitions

• Kevin O'Janet: Finalist for NC Beginning Teacher of the Year.
• Hannah Moon: Southeast Region Teacher of the Year.
• Sofia Cino & Hannah Davis: State champs in women's tennis doubles.
• Sarah Stansky: AIG Teacher of the Year.
• Shawn Stanek: NC Teacher Ambassador for DNCR.
• Kylie Caner & Kaylee Jones: State nominees for US Presidential Scholars Program.
• Luis (5th-grade student): Character in Action award.
• Wayne Dingle: Recognized for exemplary service as a substitute teacher.
• Veronica Onu & John Williams: Excellence Exemplified Award recipients.
• Travis Mitchell: New Assistant Director of Maintenance.

Reports

Student Voice

• Concerns about flag policy (Policy 7300) impacting expression in schools.
• Gathering data from 100+ interviews with students and teachers.
• Recommendations to ensure expression remains respectful and inclusive.

Teacher Voice

• Emerald Boyd speaks on postsecondary transition planning for students with disabilities.
• Describes work with New Hanover County Transition Program for Young Adults.
• Partnerships with local colleges and community programs.

Superintendent's Report

• Julie Varnam: Recognized for Distinguished Service Award.
• Various recognition weeks: School Counseling Week, CTE Month, etc.
• Planning for budget listening sessions.
• Power School Data Breach: Experian providing support to affected individuals.

Board Chair Report

• Recent school visits and notable programs.
• Attendance at NCSBA Ethics conference.

Consensus Items

• Discussion on funding decisions related to Ashley High School's track and discrepancies with New Hanover High School facilities.
• Budget amendments discussed; emphasis on funding for teachers and staff.

Policy Discussions

• Policy 4351: Extensive discussion on suspension policies, specifically regarding young students.
• Policy 6129: First reading of policy regarding anti-choking devices.

New Business

Ad Hoc Committees

• Cell Phone Use: Proposed to address the impact on learning and mental health.
• Employee Performance Bonus: Discussed need for merit-based bonus system.

Other Discussions

• Timing of Call to Audience: Proposal to move later to accommodate more participants.
• Grouping of Call to Audience comments: Discussed efficiency and representation.
• Summarizing Call to Audience comments: Suggested capturing in meeting minutes.
• Legal Action Letter: Drafted to Attorney General regarding Power School data breach.
• Town Hall for AI Pilot Program: Agreed to hold before making decisions.

Announcements

• Upcoming meetings and workshops scheduled through March.

Closed Session

• Entered to discuss confidential matters.

These notes provide a summary of the key discussions and decisions made during the board meeting. They cover changes to the agenda, recognitions, student and teacher reports, superintendent's updates, policy discussions, and new business items, as well as public participation issues.